The Bed of a Machine
The bed of a machine is the base on which the moving part carrying a tool or workpiece rests. It may be made of wood, metal, or a special material such as elastomer, and it can be shaped or carved to fit the required workpiece. Historically, beds were crafted from natural materials such as straw, cotton batting, horsehair, and feathers. More recently, they have been manufactured from foams such as latex, memory foam, and polyurethane. Some are made of innerspring cores, while others have a layer or layers of fiberfill surrounded by upholstered upholstery.
Mattresses are a significant investment, and choosing the right one can mean fewer aches and pains, better sleep, and a higher quality of life. To choose the best one, you should consider factors like your body weight and sleeping position, and decide whether you want a firm or soft feel. You should also read about different construction types, and choose a mattress that will conform to your body shape, form a cradle, support your spine, and relieve pressure points.
A mattress is the surface on which a person sleeps, so it has to be comfortable enough to allow deep relaxation. Ideally, the top of the mattress should be soft enough to cradle your body, while supporting the body’s weight and providing pressure relief at the areas that bear most of your weight, such as your shoulders, hips, and lower back. It should also be comfortable enough to keep you cool, with a minimal amount of heat buildup, so you can get a good night’s rest.
Some mattresses are designed with a memory foam layer on the surface, which is often infused with cooling gel to help dissipate heat and maintain a cool sleep. Alternatively, you can find beds that feature a phase change fabric cover that wicks away moisture and adjusts to your body temperature. When it comes to firmness, you can opt for a mattress that is medium firm and has just the right amount of support to keep your spine in alignment. Or you can go for a firm mattress that is heavy-duty and suitable for plus-size sleepers, such as this Serta model that features three memory foam layers atop a specialty TitanCore pocketed coils core. The unique “zoned” coils deliver softer support around your shoulders and hips and firmer lift where your lower back naturally curves to align you with your spine.
When examining potential mattresses, lie down on each to see how your back and hips feel. A good mattress should support your back so it feels neutral and not arched, while your hips and shoulders are cradled. If you sleep on your stomach, you should look for a soft mattress that cushions the area under your rib cage and abdomen.
Another important factor to consider when shopping for a bed is how well it handles movement, especially if you have a partner who moves a lot in the night. You can test for this by lying on the bed with your partner and trying to move. You should look for a mattress that absorbs motion and limits movement to the edge of the bed.